The prep basketball season has reached the halfway point with the Region 5-AAAAA tournament commencing in less than three weeks.

South Paulding boys’ basketball has posted 16 wins, only two shy of the school record set last season. They were set to play Hiram this week.

“Our staff is happy with how we’ve been playing, with this team having a lot of leadership and enjoying playing together,” head coach Gil Davis said.

The Spartans’ girls’ program has 10 wins, matching last year’s total for the most in a season, and in prime position to host a contest in the region tournament.

“We’ve played through adversity but Tionna Fant has stepped up offensively and Quinci Fizer on defense,” head coach Kelly Kye-Hinkson said.

Hiram girls’ basketball has won 16 of its last 17 contests and sports an undefeated record in region play through 10 contests. The Hornets have one of the youngest rosters in the state consisting of mostly sophomores.

“This team has exceeded my expectations so far,” head coach Michelle Caldwell said about her first-place squad. “We have managed to win close games and it’s brought us closer together as a team.”

Hiram boys’ basketball squad has six region wins.

“We have a lot to play for and the region is still wide open,” head coach Darius Hodge said. “We have to seize the opportunities coming up.”

North Paulding also had had a record-setting unit as the boys’ team has nine wins this season, the most in program history.

“We’ve developed as a team on and off the court,” head coach Ryan Dyer said. “Our goal is to take small steps to greatness every night and know that tough people win though a blue-collar effort.”

Paulding County High School’s girls basketball team has seven region wins and is in contention for a regular-season region title.

“We’ve had more ups than downs this year,” head coach Byron Scott said. “I have full confidence that my girls are capable of beating anybody in the region tournament.”

Both East Paulding programs will have opportunities for redemption in the region tournament.

“We’ve played hard all season and I’m proud of our effort,” boys’ head coach Robert Benson said.

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